Published 7:00 pm, Saturday, November 22, 2008

The "Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Master Plan Services," as prepared by David Scott Parker Architects of Southport and already approved by the mansion trustees, outlines the issues involved with installing an elevator, sprinkler system, air conditioning and upgrading mechanical and electrical system within the 19th-century landmark.

"The Historical Commission has been looking at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum master plan for the last two months. We went ahead and approved it at Wednesday night's meeting," said David W. Park, commission chairman. "Now the document itself needs to be approved by the state before any construction can start, even though I don't think any construction is planned at this point."

Park said he will meet with Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum board members and staff to fill out the necessary paperwork required by the state Commission on Culture and Tourism.

While not hard construction drawings -- those would come later -- the inch-thick master plan includes analyses of the 144-year-old structure's existing mechanical, electrical, lighting and structural systems, and lays out the issues involved with installing an elevator. The master plan also contains detailed engineering drawings and photographs of museum fixtures, such as chandeliers, is based upon an inspection of the building.

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"The mansion is a wonderful asset to the city of Norwalk," Park said. "This work is in great need and will make the museum an even greater asset to Norwalk."